How to Make Chef John's Black Lentil Soup - A Step-by-Step Guide

Chef John's Black Lentil Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with flavor and loaded with protein, this soup is a great way to warm up on a cold day. With the perfect balance of spices and a smooth, creamy texture, it's no wonder why this recipe has become a staple in many households.

Black lentils, also known as beluga lentils, are the star ingredient in this soup. These tiny, jet black legumes are not only visually striking, but they also ...

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Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 4 ounces bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • 1 ¼ cups black beluga lentils
  • 5 cups chicken broth, or as needed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided
  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, or as needed

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 5 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
  • Servings: 4

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook and stir bacon in hot oil until browned and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Add onion, carrots, celery, and salt; cook and stir until onion is softened and translucent, about 10 minutes. Season with black pepper, cumin, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
  • Pour lentils into bacon mixture and stir until completely coated in rendered bacon fat. Add chicken broth and bay leaf; bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook, adding more chicken broth as needed, until lentils are tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. Stir in 3 tablespoons parsley.
  • Ladle soup into bowls, sprinkle remaining parsley over top, and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.
  • Nutrition

    329 cal.

    • Total Fat: 8g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 10mg
    • Sodium: 268mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 44g
    • Dietary Fiber: 21g
    • Total Sugars: 5g
    • Protein: 20g
    • Vitamin C: 14mg
    • Calcium: 76mg
    • Iron: 5mg
    • Potassium: 892mg